Hawaii Cruise bill. (Cruises).(U.S> Senate bill for Norwegian Cruise Line)(Brief Article)

Travel Agent, February, 2003

The Senate's version of the 2003 appropriations bill includes a provision introduced by Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) to allow Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) to sail up to three ships in Hawaii without calling at a foreign port. That would eliminate the need for NCL to include Fanning Island in its Hawaii itineraries.

The bill will now be taken up in conference committee. Meanwhile, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line are lobbying for an amendment to Inouye's measure. Their proposal would alternatively allow up to six foreign-flag vessels from a mix of operators to reflag for inter-island cruises. The six would agree to hire U.S. crews and operate under U.S. laws.